Receiving a teeth cleaning can be a great way to ensure teeth stay healthy and there are not any serious oral health concerns that develop with the teeth and the supporting structures. By having a full understanding of what each teeth cleaning type does and is used for, you can gain a better understanding of what is needed to keep your teeth healthy and your smile looking great.
There are different types of teeth cleaning procedures, and the type your dentist is likely to utilize relies heavily upon your specific oral care needs.
The following are the four main types of teeth cleaning procedures.
A prophylaxis cleaning is a teeth cleaning procedure that is mainly used on individuals with an overall healthy mouth. A prophylaxis cleaning is designed to perform routine maintenance, such as removing an expected amount of tartar and plaque from the surface of teeth, gums and in between teeth.
For those who visit the dentist regularly and practice good oral hygiene, a prophylaxis cleaning is likely to be the recommended teeth cleaning procedure. Although those who receive a prophylaxis teeth cleaning generally have a fairly healthy mouth to start with, it can help individuals remove unwanted plaque and any minor stains that exist on the surface of the teeth.
Scaling and root planing is a slightly more invasive teeth cleaning procedure (although it is non-surgical) that involves a deep cleaning of the gums, gum line and other supporting structures of teeth.
Scaling and root planing is often recommended for individuals who suffer from gum diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis. Since scaling and root planing involves smoothing out the surface of the tooth root and removing any tartar and plaque that exists, it can at times take multiple dental visits to complete.
In the event an individual has not visited the dentist in several years, there is likely to be a fair amount of plaque that has built up on the gums, teeth and in between teeth. Subsequently, a gross debridement, which is a deep cleaning used to remove tartar and plaque in all areas of the mouth, is often utilized for individuals who have not visited the dentist in a while.
However, not everyone who has not visited the dentist in a while receives a gross debridement. The first thing the dentist does is perform an oral examination. After the oral exam, the dentist decides whether a routine prophylaxis teeth cleaning is enough or if a gross debridement is needed before the prophylaxis cleaning.
Periodontal maintenance refers to routine maintenance for individuals who suffer from serious oral concerns. Most notably, periodontal maintenance may be provided for individuals with gingivitis or periodontitis.
Periodontal maintenance generally includes frequent visits to the dentist to clean the entire area of the mouth. It is usually performed over a specified amount of time or until all oral health concerns are properly dealt with and the symptoms of gum disease are managed and fully under control.
Request an appointment here: http://www.cosmeticdentistoffice.com or call Rachel Cole DDS PC at (503) 248-1114 for an appointment in our Portland office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Cleaning and Examinations.
Looking for information on periodontic care? Continue reading to learn about situations when a dentist might recommend periodontics. Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a serious oral health issue that can result in severe oral infections and tooth loss. Periodontal disease may be contained and handled with the appropriate professional treatment.Gum disease can…
A restorative dentist does more than repair damaged teeth. These general, cosmetic, and family dentists play a key role in keeping the whole mouth healthy for the long term. They achieve this by keeping track of how teeth, gums, the bite, and the jaw joints work together, rather than focusing only on single problems. With…
Modern dentistry is improving with new technology that enhances patient comfort, convenience, and results. One of the most notable innovations is CEREC. A CEREC dentist provides same-day dental restorations with great precision and efficiency. Choosing this dental provider can change your treatment experience by making it quicker, more reliable, and more comfortable. Here are five…
Seeking a straighter smile often begins with a visit to a cosmetic dentist. These professionals offer advanced teeth straightening options that improve alignment while also considering the appearance of the entire smile. Whether correcting mild crowding or closing noticeable gaps, a cosmetic dentist evaluates structure, bite, and facial balance to create a personalized plan that…
Looking for information on periodontic care? Continue reading to learn about situations when a dentist…
A restorative dentist does more than repair damaged teeth.
A CEREC dentist provides same-day dental restorations with great precision and efficiency.
Seeking a straighter smile often begins with a visit to a cosmetic dentist.
A broken tooth can happen at any time — during sports, while eating, or from…
Traditional braces are one of the most effective orthodontic solutions for straightening teeth and correcting…